College Softball News

We start out with the sad news that Mississippi State softball player Alex Wilcox, who inspired the softball community her courageous battle with ovarian cancer, passed away in her hometown of Brantley, Ala., on June 25th. She was 18. “Alex Wilcox will always be remembered by her smile,” MSU softball head coach Vann Stuedeman said. “The bravest, most courageous young lady I have ever known went through the toughest battle with a smile on her face every day. The grace and beauty that she put forward while suffering this horrific disease was truly remarkable and nothing short of heroic. Our hearts are broken for her family and all of those that loved her so dearly. The Mississippi State softball family will strive to humbly honor her warrior mentality and faith-filled heart. She will be forever missed.” Wilcox was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2015, Wilcox defied the odds and continued to play softball throughout her treatments and help lead Brantley High School to multiple state championships. Wilcox signed with the Bulldogs in 2016. Over her freshman campaign, Wilcox continued her fight with cancer while continuing to pursue her dreams of playing collegiate softball. She sparkled during the fall season, displaying her ability at the plate with home run power. Balacing a full academic course load, Wilcox was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll this spring. Despite being in the midst of chemotherapy treatments, Wilcox appeared in eight contests with three starts over her freshman season. She recorded three hits in her 15 at bats, including her first collegiate hit against UMass Lowell in March. Mississippi State softball rallied around Wilcox throughout the 2018 season with its “No One Fights Alone” campaign as the program wore teal uniforms during midweek contests to spread awareness for ovarian cancer and Wilcox’s fight. Wilcox’s constant positivity and determination throughout her battle drew support and praise from legends in the softball community like Olympians Michele Smith and Jessica Mendoza.

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Former Mizzou player Amanda Sanchez has transferred to LSU to finish out her softball career. The move was announced by LSU and she will be a graduate transfer and eligible to play immediately in the upcoming 2019 season. She earned her extra season of eligibility after suffering a season-ending injury in 2017. Sanchez brings a big bat having hit .374 with 12 home runs last season.

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Now that Mike White has left Oregon to become Texas’ next head coach that leaves a big opening that needs filled at Oregon. I would consider it a very sought after opening with the recently remodeled softball facilities, strong fanbase and remaining group of players returning from last years team. You can’t believe rumors but what I’ve been hearing is that the main reason White left was for the money. It’s been reported that now as Texas head coach he’ll become the second highest paid head coach behind Oklahoma’s Patty Gasso who makes just under 1 million dollars a year with base salary and bonuses.

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Missouri continues to lose star players with the latest one being Rylee Pierce, an all-SEC infielder. She has decided to transfer to Arizona to play her senior season in 2019. In 2018 Pierce had a .335 BA along with 8 home runs.

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Florida has added outfielder Jade Caraway to their lineup. Caraway played two seasons for North Carolina State where she lead the team in hits. Caraway has two years of eligibility left.